Our legal and compliance team consists of three lawyers at the group level, and an additional six in our Chilean subsidiary. My responsibilities also include our corporate internal audit department.

The focus of our legal and compliance department in the last year has been on managing and adapting our business and policies to the changing political and regulatory environment; regulatory compliance and opportunities, the resource tax regulations in Norway and the changing and challenging political situation for the industry in several regions. Also, we are seeing substantial organic and inorganic growth opportunities and related processes, as well as managing comprehensive administrative and litigation processes.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

I would highlight a number of comprehensive and complex project negotiations and executions globally, both in current and previous positions, which included managing and contributing to teams and processes in very diverse and difficult global settings.

Particularly challenging and always unique are negotiations management of joint ventures and partnerships with local parties in difficult jurisdictions, which involve personal, political and cultural dimensions in addition to the legal complexities. Generally, I would say that some of my most rewarding professional experiences have involved advising and facilitating business opportunities in diverse and challenging jurisdictions and cultures.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

I believe the most important factors are to maintain a learning mindset both in legal skills and in the business we serve, to continue adapting to new challenges and circumstances. It is key to maintain commercial focus and on how our role can create business value, reducing risk and maximizing opportunity, while maintaining compliance. Always remember, the main role of the legal department is to be a partner to the business and a facilitator of achieving business goals in the best way.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

Cermaq’s business in salmon farming is founded on and completely reliant on a healthy nature. It is impossible to grow healthy fish in an unhealthy environment. Our operations and the way we conduct it and ourselves are therefore not only about limiting our footprint; for us, improving the health of the environment more directly leads to better operational results, both short and long term. Especially, climate change and warming oceans are significant threats to our operations. These topics are high on the agenda for our people, across functions and departments. Our industry and operations are also closely regulated, also from an environmental perspective. This naturally involves the legal department directly, especially as these regulations and demands are evolving and increasing. We are strong proponents of regulations that reward individual focus and achievements in reducing environmental impact and in standards for animal health and biology.